List of Italian Words and Terms in English

Use this list of Italian words and terms in English usage for Grade 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 elementary, middle school and high school students and kids to learn and understand a selection of commonly used Italian words and Italian Terms in English use.

A cappella (Italian):(ah kah-PEL-la) Unaccompanied singing, especially choral music. Example: Since the last half of the recital will be sung a cappella, the instrumentalists will be able to fill another engagement on the same evening.

adagio (Italian): (ah-DAH-jo)Leisurely. Adagio describes musch that is to be played slowly.

alfresco (Italian):(ahl-FRESS-ko) Taking place in an open air; dining out of doors. Example: Mozart preferred to dine alfresco, under the stars.

Allegro (Italian): (al-LEH-gro) Merry. Allegro describes music that is to played in a fast and lively manner.

andante (Italian): (an-DAHN-tay) Walking along. Andante describes music that is to be played at a steady, moderate pace.

B Words

bolognese (Italian): (bo-lo-NYAY-zay)In the style of the city of Bologna. Example: Spaghetti bolognese is spaghetti with meat sauce.

Bravura (Italian): (brah-VOOR-ah) Bravery; a display of spirit and dash. Example: The truth is that young Mr. Bixon i incapable of the kind of bravura pianism required by the showier compositions of Liszt.

C Words

Cicerone (Italian):(chee-chay-RO-nay or sis-er-OWN) a guide to a museum or other sights (like the ancient statesmand and writer Cicero) Example: Our cicerone left us at the end of the tour.

con amore (Italian): (knoe ah-MOHR-ay) With love and devotion; tendernly; Example: you will be able to play this passage con amore if you slow down slightly

D Words

dolce far niente(Italian): (DOL-chay FAR NYEN-tay) Sweet inactivity. Example: By February, the overworked students were longing for a summer of dolce far niente.

presto (Italian):(PRESS-toe) Rapidly; quickly, a direction in muscle calling for a fast tempo. Example: In the traditional sonata the second movement is usually a presto movement.

punctilio (Italian): (poonk-TEEL-ee-oh)A fine point; a nice point of behavior or etiquette; fastidiousness; meticulousness. Example: the duel was fought with the utmost punctilio; neither of the contestants was injred, and their honor was satisfied.

V Words

vendetta (Italian): (vee-DET-ta) A blood fued; from the feuding families of Corsica who avenged the death of relatives. Example: the rivalry betwen the gangs has developed into a vendetta in which three youths have already been slain.